Enrique Tarrio, Proud Boys leader, gets record 22-year sentence for Jan. 6 crime.
Former Proud Boys Leader Sentenced to 22 Years in Capitol Riot Case
Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, the former national chairman of the Proud Boys, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in organizing a large group for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. This sentence is the longest among the hundreds handed out so far in connection with the attack.
Tarrio, although not physically present in Washington on Jan. 6, was convicted of a rare seditious conspiracy charge, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, destruction of government property, and three other related charges.
Leading a Revolutionary Zeal
According to court filings, Tarrio was arrested a few days before the riot for burning a Black Lives Matter flag and carrying two large-capacity magazines. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly emphasized the seriousness of seditious conspiracy, a charge established during the Civil War, and stated that Tarrio was the ultimate leader of the conspiracy.
“Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader of that conspiracy. I don’t really think this is super debatable,” Kelly said.
Kelly further noted that Tarrio was “the ultimate person who organized, who was motivated by a revolutionary zeal,” and highlighted that the group Tarrio recruited consisted of about 200 people who led breaches on that day.
Inciting Revolution on Social Media
The court filings revealed that on Jan. 6, Tarrio shared messages on Parler, instructing those at the Capitol not to leave while it was being overtaken and referring to them as “revolutionaries.” He also posted a photo of lawmakers hiding in the House chamber and made explicit statements denouncing the system.
Tarrio’s attorney argued that his client was a “misguided patriot” who believed he was saving the country. However, Judge Kelly pointed out that Tarrio’s absence on Jan. 6 allowed his lieutenants to rile up the crowd, insulating him strategically.
Lower Sentences Than Prosecutors’ Recommendations
While government prosecutors sought decadeslong sentences for Tarrio and his co-defendants, Judge Kelly ruled for lower sentences. Tarrio’s co-defendants received sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years.
During the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor Mulroe characterized the riot as a “calculated act of terrorism” that came close to causing a “full-blown constitutional crisis.” He emphasized that the gravity of the crime should not be diminished, even though it differed from other terrorism offenses.
Remorse and Future Goals
Tarrio, who has been in prison for the past two years, expressed remorse to the courtroom, acknowledging that invoking 1776 and the Constitution was a perversion. He also mentioned the toll his time in prison has taken on his mental health and requested that his 40s not be taken away from him.
Tarrio’s mother, sister, and fiancee pleaded for leniency from the judge, all overcome with emotion and tears.
Henry “Enrique” Tarrio’s sentence of 22 years serves as a significant consequence for his involvement in the Capitol riot, highlighting the severity of the charges and the impact of his actions.
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